The White Horse, Shepherds Bush, W12

This pub dates from 1802 but was rebuilt around 50 years later. As mentioned, it’s a funny little place; easy to miss. What wasn’t easy to miss, is the sea of fag ends – or more appropriately ‘tabs’ – around the entrance; are they ever cleared? Inside, it’s a reasonable size, very cosy and ‘L’-shaped. It’s clearly had a makeover, as it’s recently been taken over by the questionably named ‘Craft Union’ chain. The floor is carpeted and paintwork is a palette of contemporary grey/blue shades, with some wood panelling left bare and looking like it was installed in the ‘30s. Furniture is best described as ‘comfy’ and lighting was contemporary. Décor comprises a huge tableau of the area to a wall, then lots of framed flyers advertising sport or meal deals. There was sport with the sound off and an ugly games machine or two. Customers were mixed in age but, as mentioned, all seemed to be Geordies, along with a solitary elderly Irish gent, perhaps lost on his way to the Coningham. There were two pumps, both unused, so it was a half of Strongbow for an extraordinary £1.50, served by a chatty barmaid: why aye, pet! This isn’t a bad place for what it is. Lose the games machines and get some real ale in and the score goes up accordingly.

Official site of The White Horse - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of The White Horse - www.craftunionpubs.com